Yes, Astros need at least one guy “to get excited about”

Amidst all the doom and gloom of the move to the American League, a new general manager and owner, a $50 million payroll, the possible trades of the only major league viable players, perhaps 20Texans02 is onto something.

Hunter Pence, Roy Oswalt, Lance Berkman were all focal points for the Astros. Even Jeff Keppinger and Michael Bourn were household names among Astros’ fans. Those are the players you could talk about around the water cooler. Those are players who were part of the foundation. Those are the players whose jersies you’d see walking around the concourses at Minute Maid, through the local malls and at local ball parks.

No disrespect intended, but how many J.D. Martinez or Jason Castro jersies have you seen lately? I’m guessing there will be more Jeff Bagwell or Craig Biggio jersies at opening day than Jimmy Paredes or Jed Lowrie jersies. What number does Paredes wear again?

Astros’ fans need a player to hang their hat on. Someone to get excited about or be the obvious face of the team. Sure, Martinez and Jose Altuve may develop into those players by the end of 2012, or there may be another player who comes over in the trades for Wandy Rodriguez or Brett Myers.

But an organization in transition simply provides a lot of gray and little focus for fans sent scurrying to score cards after every play.

Bagwell captured the attention of the league when he joined the Astros. Biggio quickly made his mark. Though older, players like Clemens, Pettitte, Kent and others were on the radar in a different Astros’ era.

So, which of the current or soon-to-be Astros will be the “guy to get excited about” in 2012? Or 2013? Here’s my list of Top 5 players in line to capture the fancy of fans sooner than later. Remember, they don’t necessarily have to be in an Astros’ uniform to create a buzz or become fodder for the water cooler.

Martinez. Too early to call him Bagwell II, but everything in his reportoire suggests he’ll be a quality major leaguer. #14 jersies will move to the front of the rack by mid-season.

Bud Norris. Could be poised for a breakout year. If Wandy and Myers are traded, #20 could begin to step into the #1 role before the end of 2012. Ace? TBD, but he has the stuff.

Jonathan Singleton. Nope, won’t happen in 2012, but he should begin to make some noise toward the top of the Astros’ system. Look for an arrival in 2013.

Jared Cosart. If he has success during the first half of 2012 at Corpus Christi, fans will begin to get itchy to see him in an Astros’ uniform. Could be the best pitching farm hand since the days of Wade Miller and Roy Oswalt. Certainly one to “hang your hat on”. Realistically, he could be in the rotation by 2013, but if you want to get your jersey early, he wears #23.

Altuve. He may not be the next Biggio or ever become more than just an average player, but fans love this guy. As long as he can field the position well and provide occasional spark and learn to bunt, the excitement he brings to the game will provide plenty of water cooler conversation.

So which 5 players excite you the most? Is there a single player you identify as a possible face of the franchise over the next couple of years?